Tua Tagovailoa set for Dolphins return as coach confirms Guardian Cap stance

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is hopeful that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will return to action for the team's Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is optimistic about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's return for the team's Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tagovailoa, who was placed on injured reserve following a concussion in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, has been cleared to resume practice after getting the green light from medical professionals. Speaking to reporters on Monday, McDaniel expressed hope for Tagovailoa's comeback amidst discussions of the Dolphins' current 2-4 standing.

"Every concussion is unique. That's why we rely upon people who study the brain for a living. That was the driving force," McDaniel explained regarding the decision-making process. The Dolphins coach also noted that the Pro Bowl QB has used his downtime effectively to focus on his health and gather important medical insights. Despite being sidelined, Tagovailoa has remained engaged, analyzing the team's play and identifying areas needing improvement.

With a history of four football-related concussions since 2017, including his college days at Alabama, Tagovailoa's repeated injuries have sparked debates among NFL fans, players, coaches, and commentators over the risks of continuing his career.

This NFL season saw the introduction of Guardian Caps, soft pads designed to be worn over helmets for added protection against concussions. Amid concerns for Tua Tagovailoa’s health post-football, Head Coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that, according to the collective bargaining agreement, an NFL team cannot compel a player to wear extra protective gear.

"That's a great question for Tua," said McDaniel on whether the franchise QB will wear the cap. "We aren't allowed to mandate things that aren't mandated regarding a player's attire. In terms of his career, we have a high priority to pass forth information and knowledge so that decisions can be made. I always preach that it's the individual player's determination of they want to do so. One thing we won't do is scurt the information gathering process."

The Dolphins are set to open Tagovailoa's practice window, signaling his potential activation from injury reserve within 21 days. His eligibility to play could coincide with the Cardinals game on the road, and McDaniel has expressed confidence that Tagovailoa "will play football this year."

Reflecting on the quarterback's rehabilitation, McDaniel observed Tagovailoa’s maturity and unwavering competitive spirit, noting the team’s challenges since his Week 2 departure, with three losses in the last four games.

"He's really shown his maturity. It continues to evolve. It shows that he's found a way to be even more of a leader by investing in his teammates, even when he can't play," McDaniel said. "Being the franchise QB, I think he's taught a lot of his teammates about himself and how much he's along the ride with them. In circumstances like this, it would be easy to justify someone thinking about their own issues and problems."